“Here, eat this food you’ve eaten a hundred times before. These chicken fingers and french fries are just like what we have at home. And turn on your iPad and watch that movie you like so much…”

Of course, chicken fingers are just a symptom. If we want to insulate ourselves from new experiences, ensure that we never eat something we don’t like, never engage with someone we disagree with, never have to hold two opposing ideas in our head at the same time—chicken fingers are a great way to start.

The new is a habit. It’s a habit we can teach to our kids and it’s a habit we can learn ourselves.

Spend a few hours thinking and walking in that local park you’ve never visited. Go visit an online forum where you disagree with the worldview of those hanging out—but instead of arguing, listen. Play some opera while you’re chilling out at home tonight. Try eating vegan for three days…

The children’s menu is always available, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.